FOR USE AS DESIRED
NFL-95             12/8/00

RAVENS SALUTE ART MODELL SUNDAY ON 40 YEARS IN NFL

It’s usually the offense or defense that is introduced before a game.

But not this Sunday in Baltimore.

To salute Baltimore Ravens owner ART MODELL’s 40th year in the NFL, the team has convinced a reluctant Modell, 75, to be the lone Raven introduced on the field before the game, escorted by two of his players through two rows comprised of the entire Ravens team.

With a victory over the San Diego Chargers Sunday, the Ravens will earn a playoff berth for the first time in their five years in Baltimore.

"I wouldn’t consider it under any circumstances unless we were in the playoff hunt," says Modell.

Modell will be accompanied by a representative of the Ravens’ offense and defense – tight end SHANNON SHARPE and linebacker RAY LEWIS, who volunteered for the duty.

"He is going about this kind of kicking and screaming," says Ravens President DAVID MODELL. "But 40 years in this business is significant. He certainly has over the course of time made some pretty significant contributions to the NFL. It’s a milestone that you can’t overlook."